March 1, 2007

The brick building of Macedonia Baptist Church in the Stewartville community has been through many renovations since the ground-breaking service for it in March 1959. The steeple bell and hardwood floors usually welcome 15–18 members each week, but Jan. 14 saw more than 100 people representing 14 churches come to Macedonia Baptist to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

"We just hugged necks and [asked], ‘Who are you?’ all day long," said Renee Culver, music director and chairwoman of the anniversary celebration.

For the morning service, the sanctuary was filled with the smiling faces of friends, neighbors and members, old and new.

Macedonia is currently without a pastor and has been since September 2006. However, Troy Calloway, great-grandson of former pastor Morris Calloway, gave his testimony during the service.

"It was exciting to me to hear the young man (Troy Calloway) preach," said Jim Jackson, chairman of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission. "It was the highlight of my time there that day."

Jackson presented a framed certificate to the Central Baptist Association church for its 150 years of service. Daisy Bailey and her great-grandchildren Payton and Mason Culver received this certificate in order to symbolize Macedonia Baptist’s past and future.

Following the service, everyone enjoyed a spread covering three tables for lunch.

After lunch, everyone returned to the auditorium for a special worship service and history program.

The program featured more than 60 photos from over the years, as well as documents dating back to the church’s beginning, Jan. 17, 1857. Letters written by members were read aloud to reflect on the memories of days past at Macedonia.

Musical guests Joy Melton and Jimmy Gilliland led the congregation in "good old hymns," one of which was "Amazing Grace" — "a must for a Baptist meeting," Culver said.

The day ended with a second certificate presentation by Don Evans, moderator for Central Association.

"Everyone had such good spirits and a smile on their faces," Culver said. "The day was great. Our Lord planned everything wonderfully for us." (TAB)